Our Engineering Chief Arrives

Posted on Sat Nov 7, 2020 @ 5:33pm by Commander Ajani Carter & Lieutenant John Stoneman & Lieutenant JG Sanok

Mission: Episode 1: On Stranger Tides
Location: Captains Ready Room
Timeline: MD -01
857 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

OOC Matt: https://www.deviantart.com/falke2009/art/Nova-Class-Refit-Ready-Room-628975439 this is her readyroom

The room was quiet. It was a few minutes before first watch. John Stoneman took a quick glance before heading to the bridge to check a few things out. He had received word earlier that several new arrivals had boarded the vessel. John looked forward to meeting them as soon as he could. The vessel was securely docked on station and things running well. Coffee in hand John headed back to the ready room, he soon observed a Lieutenant in the corridor in front of the ready room.

Taya was on the last leg of her long journey. She had served three years on Starbase 723, working her way up to assistant chief engineer. When an opening became available on a new starship, she jumped at the opportunity, putting her name in the mix. Not only was her transfer request accepted, she was chosen to be chief engineer. At age twenty-five, this was unexpected, but she had confidence in herself, so she was ready for the challenge. Now at Esquimalt Base, she had boarded the USS Eagle to report to her new commanding officer.

Outside the captain's ready room, Taya heard someone approaching. From reading the files of the senior staff, she recognized the ship XO, Lieutenant John Stoneman. At twenty-six, he was also younger than would be expected for his position.

"Good morning, sir. I'm Lieutenant junior grade Taya Lenwa, the new chief engineer. I was just about to see the captain."

"Outstanding. It's a pleasure to meet you." He hit the chime... "Let's take a peek and see if the CO is in."

Carter was sat behind her new desk. She knew that many captain's enjoyed having a slice of their home world in desk form. Ajani had gone a different direction. Her desk was transparent aluminum, she had one of the new holographic consoles on the ship. It was currently configured for four screens which followed the outer contour of her desk with control surfaces hugging the top. She was expecting two for her senior staff to arrive any time now.

"Come on in" she called allowing the computer to open the door. Glancing up and seeing her XO and the young women who could only be the new Chief of Engineering. She swiped her hand down and the holographic screen closed. "John, Taya please come in and take a seat" Ajani said indicating the chairs on the other side of her desk. "Can you get either of you a drink?"

Taya waited for the XO to choose a chair first. While getting seated herself, she replied to the captain's offer of a drink.

"No thank you, Captain."

Stoneman opted for a corner seat and plopped down with his fresh mug of coffee. "I'm good Ma'am, but thanks."

"Very well" she said "Computer, Coffee, splash of milk and half a sugar" a small section at the end of her desk glowed and a mug of hot coffee appeared. "Gotta love innovation right" She smiled taking a sip.

"So, welcome to the U.S.S. Eagle" she said to Taya. "I assume your journey was uneventful?"

"Uneventful?" said Taya. "Yes, but I had time to study the Eagle specs and read the personnel files of the senior staff." She was nervous, so her answers were flat and to-the-point. Calm down, girl, she thought.

"Relax a little, Lieutenant" Ajani said noticing the younger woman's nerves. "You already have the job" she added with a smile. "What do you think about the updates the Eagle has received?"

"I like the updates," said Taya. "They give me more to learn and more to do. Maybe one day I could design one myself." She chuckled, feeling more at ease.

Carter nodded "Many people in your position go one design their own ships. Maybe start smaller with a shuttle craft maybe?" she said with a smile. "What do you think XO?"

"By seeing the current status of our fleet yards I would say we need all the young talent we could get." John smiled, but his concerns we're genuine on the matter. "Our future demands strong engineering principles, big thinking has brought us this far."

"Oh yeah it has. I have eyed up some of those big new ships myself" she said with a wink "The Eagle can run with the best of them. Any questions Taya?"

"No questions, sir," said Taya. "I'm ready to go."

"Then your engine room awaits you Lieutenant" She got to her feet and walked around her desk "The Eagle is most likely going to be in combat, we are likely going to need enhanced damage control protocols. Think this is something you and your team can come up with?"

"I'll see what I can do, sir," said Taya.

Carter nodded "Keep us informed" she glanced at her XO. "If there is nothing else?"

"No Ma'am, now that lieutenant Lenwa has arrived things will run much smoother."

"Can't disagree with that" Ajani grinned "Then i will let you both get back to it" she returned to her desk as both exited her office.